DirecTV shut off Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and 14 other channels on Wednesday because the rich a-holes involved can’t reach an agreement.
DirecTV said the networks had to be dropped from the lineup because of a dispute over fees.
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DirecTV is the largest U.S. satellite TV company servicing 20 million subscribers and Viacom is only one of many content providers, at least that’s the angle DirecTV wants to spin. But the fact is, without a new proposal none of Viacom’s content will continue to broadcast on DirecTV and no resolution is in sight as the latest round of talks collapsed.
DirecTV’s had been in contract with Viacom for the last seven years but that expired at midnight Tuesday.
Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman said, “In the last 7 years since we did the last DirecTV deal, we have successfully and peacefully concluded affiliate agreements with every major distributor in the U.S. We are prepared to move forward. It’s unfortunate consumers for the first time are not able to enjoy our channels.” He added, “I don’t want to negotiate in public.”
AMC Networks, known for shows such as “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead” and “Mad Men,” had a similar problem with Dish Network after the two companies failed to reach a new contract. That issue was resolved before the channels went dark.
In recent years the “carriage fee” demanded by content producers such as Viacom and ultimately incurred by satellite providers has increased significantly.
“We have been very willing to get a deal done, but Viacom is pushing DirecTV customers to pay more than a 30 percent increase, which equates to an extra $1 billion, despite the fact that the ratings for many of their main networks have plummeted,” DirecTV Executive Vice President Derek Change said in a statement.
In a blog post on Viacom’s website, spokesman Mark Jafar wrote that despite Viacom’s “best efforts,” DirecTV rejected proposals to renew their contract.
As the subscriber, YOU GET TO BE THE PAWN IN ALL THIS MESS! WHILE YOU PAY YOUR BILL EVERY MONTH! ENJOY YOUR SERVICES SUCKERS (me included :)